New Year’s Eve in Perth: Transperth offering free buses and trains

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Fireworks, parties and family-friendly events will be among the highlights of New Year’s Eve in Perth, but this year revellers will also have access to free and frequent public transport after midnight.

Transperth has scheduled 113 extra train rides, 117 more bus trips and additional ferry services to run after midnight.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said about 290 transit officers would be rostered on and more police would patrol stations.

“This move is about encouraging more people to use public transport and showing them it’s a safe, efficient and cost-effective way to get home after New Year’s Eve,” she said.

It is the first time since 2004 that public transport has been offered for free, after Police Commissioner Chris Dawson approached the police and transport ministers with the idea.

Acting Police Commissioner Gary Dreibergs said more than 1700 officers would be working on New Year's Eve across the state.

From entertainment at Perth Zoo to Rottnest Island, there are plenty of family-friendly events on offer in Perth this New Year's Eve.

From entertainment at Perth Zoo to Rottnest Island, there are plenty of family-friendly events on offer in Perth this New Year's Eve.

“Extra public transport ... makes a significant difference for us, allowing people to move home (and) free people up from being in the CBD,” he told reporters on Friday.

“They can just come into the city, they can have a good time, then they can get on the trains or the buses and just head straight home.

“We won't have to worry abut people waiting for other forms of transport.”

Among the festivities is free family entertainment in Northbridge, including street performers and live music across two stages.

Firework displays are also being held at several locations, including above the Swan River at 9pm and midnight.

The weather over the long weekend is expected to be mostly sunny and about 30 degrees.